Poll publicity keeps Chhipawad busy

AHMEDABAD: With general elections nearing, political parties are flexing publicity muscles to woo voters. And, when it comes to providing propaganda material such as banners, flags, wall posters and scarves, Ahmedabad rules. In this slump, plump order books are a godsend.
Poll merchandise business gives employment to nearly 3,000 people living in Chhipawad in the city, named so because its one lakh population consists mostly of Chhipa community from Rajasthan.There are nearly half a dozen units in this business.
"Our profits increase when Assembly elections are scheduled as more candidates are in the fray. Usually, before general elections, we don't get much business. But, this time we are expecting higher profits," says an upbeat Abu Kucherawala, proprietor of Ekta Textiles which makes publicity material.
While radio, television and internet are considered the best options for propaganda, independent candidates prefer traditional, cheaper alternatives like flags and banners, he says. This time, his factory is going to use over 40 lakh metres of cloth to meet orders.
Raw material comes from Bhiwandi and Malegaon in Maharashtra. Banners are priced at Rs 25 (for 2 m), flags Rs 3.25 to Rs 12, caps range from Rs 5 to Rs 15, mufflers cost between Rs 3 and Rs 12 and a cloth badge from 50 paise to Rs 2.50.
Apart from poll-related orders, the community undertakes printing and dyeing work of sarees, blouses and dress material. But, when the bugle for elections is sounded, business is brisk.
This time round, apart from masks, posters, banners and caps, scarves are in great demand. Also, ecofriendly art paper' has replaced plastic buntings and cheaper roto' cloth is preferred.
"We are making banners for every party across the nation, irrespective of their ideological stance. We get orders much before election dates are announced. Still, we have our hands full," says Yusuf Nanawala, proprietor of Idrish Textile Processors which does dyeing and printing work for propaganda material.